There are very few horse races around the world that grip a nation and capture the public imagination quite like the Melbourne Cup. It is a week long racing festival with the highlight being the Melbourne Cup race. It happens on the first Tuesday of November when the entire country comes to a standstill to watch the top thoroughbreds in the world go head to head to for a $3.6 million purse. This year I was delighted to attend the popular race meet at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne…

Take a look at this album by Mary Walkup, marvellous millinery perfect for Church Hats, Tea Hats or for that special occasion.

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This bright sunshine yellow cloche will brighten up a cold winters day. Ivana Howcroft has mastered working with felts to create uniquely styled headwear. In her studio at Rutlandshire, UK you can find a selection of casual and couture millinery headwear from special occasion headpieces to fedoras and cloches.all…

Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them? Share the gift of hat making, kickstart a millinery journey with a Hat Academy Gift Card!
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Millinery student Ashley Graham loves hats as they can add a sense of fun, help express your personality and just show off your natural beauty.

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Hats must bring out the lady in every woman is the mission of Las Vegas Milliner, Louisa Voisine. Sense this passion with her white ribbon saucer style. She has trimmed this hat with delicate organza and silk roses including peek-a-boo roses under the brim – so feminine and so elegant. …

Applique work in millinery can be painstaking. Admire the detailed work of UK milliner, Jain Kidsley. This hat features two tone black and grey applique flowers joined by tambour beading. This may have been an experimental exercise for Jain but the result is so elegant and tasteful ready for any season or occasion.…

"Butterfly Tea Party" is all about spring colour. Twelve gorgeous butterflies have gathered on this emerald green feather tree which has been attached to a handblocked sinamay base covered with stunning green silk abaca.

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Which colours and style trends do you think stood out in the crowd this season?
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Celebrate the work of Tomas Montoya, a milliner from Columbia. Sense the adventure, colours and excitement from his homeland in South America. His label “La…

A collection of headdresses Genevieve Amelia has made for her label 'Shunyata' using several materials and techniques  learnt over the years. From hand-dyeing feathers, fine art, sculpting feathers, macerating and preparing skulls and bones, jewellery-making techniques, preserving animal remnants such as wings, construction techniques…

The final day for Melbourne Spring racing is Emirates Stakes Day, when the children can join in the fashion on the field look. How lovely for new milliner, Jo Peterson to go along with her daughter to enjoy the fashion fun, wearing Jo’s latest creations. After a few lessons Jo is enjoying this new found creative world…

This sculpted & blocked leather cocktail hat by Emily Minikem of Melbourne, Australia displays her ability to work with leather. Cutting and curling the leather keeps the design simple but  with a touch of mystique. With her training in art, design and fashion she combines all the elements of pattern making, design,…

There are never too many surprises in the work of talented UK milliner Lisa Jayne McConnon but this piece titled “Strawberry Surprise” stretches out to the beyond. With a floral theme of hand made flowers in fabric, feathers and crinoline the wearer and the onlooker…

KFW Irish Accessory Designer of the year, Sinéad Madden, takes us away from the trackside and into the stables for this gorgeous photoshoot of her spring collection.

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Amanda from Chef Bizzaro Millinery believes hats have a way of bringing grace to a woman. "They inspire, they flirt, and they let you become who ever you want to be for the day."

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Yecla, Spain is a creative corner for Ampa Azorin. By combining the customers ideas with her inspirations she is able to create a complete look with a special touch. Cocktail hats are popular the world over. This piece is fabric covered with a soft lace added  to enrich the appeal. …